Neisson 1992

Neisson, the small family house founded on Martinique in 1931, has a devoted following for its AOC agricole. This 1992 vintage was distilled from fresh-pressed cane juice and bottled at cask strength, 49.2%, a mature expression that shows the depth long tropical ageing brings to a spirit built on fresh sugar cane.

The column still preserves the green, vegetal heart of agricole, but decades in oak have pulled it toward orchard and dried fruit. The aroma opens on melon, mango, oak and chocolate, the palate carries dried figs, nutmeg, vanilla and wood, and the finish is round and elegant with notes of cappuccino and cigar. Unsweetened and dry, it rewards patience in the glass, a polished older agricole for unhurried evenings rather than a casual mixer.